Battle Abbey is the 11th century Benedictine Abbey of St Martin, founded by King William I. Built in 1070 on Senlac Ridge, the high altar was placed directly over the spot where tradition says, King Harold fell mortally wounded during the Battle of Hastings. In 1338 Abbot Alan of Ketling, was granted a licence to crenellate and the abbey fortify itself, as protection against French raids. A wall-walk was added to the precinct wall and a square three storeys gatehouse, with a castellated parapet and octagonal turrets on the angles, replaced the Norman gate. The vehicular and pedestrian vaulted entrance passages, have ornamental archways and half-way up the stairs to the great chamber, an archway contains a portcullis groove and in the vault, are two murder holes. The gateway is more like a miniature keep and on both sides are the remains of late 11th and 12th century ranges, with the 16th century courthouse in the east range, incorporating traces of the almonry. 5 miles north is Glottenham Castle and 7 miles south-east is Hastings Castle.